Workshop on “Functioning of Women and Children Desk in Police Stations”
Bhubaneswar, : Center for Sustainable use of Natural and Social Resources (CSNR), a voluntary organization in Bhubaneswar was organized a Pre-Study Consultation Workshop on “Functioning of Women and Children Desk in Police Stations” at Development Research and Training Centre (DRTC) – Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD), Bhubaneswar.
Center for the Sustainable use of Natural and Social Resources (CSNR) has been working for people friendly and accountable policing system in Odisha for the past 9 years.
The workshop aimed to assess the effectiveness and challenges faced by Women and Children Desks in Police Stations in Odisha. This initiative is part of CSNR’s ongoing efforts for police reforms in the state. The event brought together key stakeholders including representatives from diverse backgrounds, such as Child commission, Retired police officer, legal experts, social activists, and members of civil society organizations. Participants engaged in insightful discussions, sharing their perspectives and experiences to identify areas for improvement.
The workshop featured presentations on various aspects related to the functioning of Women and Children Desks, including the role of police personnel, mechanisms for victim support, rehabilitation and legal frameworks. Also there were discussions on methodology and action plan for the study on “Functioning of Women and Child Desk in Police Stations”.
Distinguished guest speakers from various domains, such as child rights, child welfare, law, and media were graced this workshop, who shared their valuable insights and expertise. They were: Mandakinee Kar (Chairperson, State Commission for Protection of Child Rights), Manna Biswas (Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF Bhubaneswar) Pramoda Kishore Acharya (Chairperson,Child Welfare Committee, Cuttack) Sumita Rani Ghosh (Member, Additional Child Welfare Committee, Khordha) Kasturi Mohapatra (Former Chairperson, State Commission for Protection of Child Rights) Pramila Nayak (Retired SP), Advocate Bibhu Tripathy (Orissa HighCourt), Dr. Snigdha Rani Behera and Shri Nityananda Barik (Assistant Professor, Utkal University), Dr. Manisha Chakraborty (Assistant Professor, XIM University, Xavier Law School).
Advocate Mr. Bibhu Prasad Tripathi explained various policies of the State Government for Women and Child Desk, Ms. Pramila Naik (Former SP) spoke on how the Women and Child Desk should be managed, Mr. Pramod Acharya (CWC Chairman, Cuttack) said that to enhancing the performance and expertise of Police Officers to manage smoothly the Women and Children Desk, Ms. Kasturi Mohapatra (Former OSCPCR Chairperson) said that the State Government is committed to women and children. Various policies and budgets for children are being brought but how these policies are being implemented should be monitored, Mr. Mana Viswana (Programme Officer, UNICEF) opined that there is a need for continuous evaluation and capacity-building initiatives to address existing gaps and enhance the effectiveness of these desks, Mrs. Sumita Rani Ghosh expressed her opinion that counseling in WCDs should be improved. Program Officer Advocate Chandranath Dani conducted the workshop.
Participants emphasized the importance of providing specialized training to police personnel assigned to Women and Children Desks, fostering inter-agency collaboration, enhancing public awareness, and strengthening legal mechanisms to expedite justice for victims.
The insights gathered from the workshop will inform CSNR’s forthcoming study on the Functioning of Women and Children Desks in Police Stations, aimed at generating evidence-based recommendations for policy advocacy and institutional reform.
CSNR extends its gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions and reaffirms its commitment to promoting sustainable development and social justice in the region.
